Tottenham manager Antonio Conte to undergo surgery to remove gallbladder

has announced that

was

recently diagnosed with cholecystitis and will undergo surgery to remove his gallbladder. Doctors decided that an operation was needed, and he will face a spell away from his duties.

"Antonio Conte recently became unwell with severe abdominal pain,"

said the club in a statement.

"Following a diagnosis of cholecystitis, he will be undergoing surgery to remove his gallbladder today (Wednesday) and will return following a period of recuperation.

"Everyone at the Club wishes him well.”

Tottenham has not confirmed how long Conte will be away from first-team duties, but he will not be in the dugout for Sunday's game against Manchester City at home. His assistant Cristian Stellini is expected to take charge while he is away from the club.

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, and it typically takes about a month to recover fully from surgery to have it removed.

Tottenham signed the right wing-back Pedro Porro on loan from Sporting Lisbon on the transfer deadline day. They have an obligation to buy him in the summer for £39m.

Spurs will face Milan at the San Siro on February 14 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. Conte’s side is in fifth place in the

, three points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who have played a game less.

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